Key week for Badet

Jeff Drummond

01/28/2013

A decision could be looming for three-star Orlando (Fla.) Freedom receiver Jeff Badet. But first he must decide if he'll squeeze in a final official visit to a school that produced an enticing late scholarship offer.

But first, he must decide if he'll squeeze in a final official visit to a program that made an enticing offer on Sunday.

"I added an offer from UCLA yesterday," Badet said. "There's a possibility I could be going out there this weekend, but I haven't decided whether I'll do that or not. If I do, I probably won't make my (college) decision until right before signing day. If I don't, I may do something on Friday."

A Friday announcement would bode well for Kentucky. Badet made an official visit with the Wildcats on January 18 and came away highly impressed. He says his final three schools (barring any additional late offers) are UK, UCLA and Wake Forest.

"I feel real strong about Kentucky right now," he said. "I have them in the lead. If I had to decide this week, it would probably be them. I had a great time on my visit up there, and I feel like I could really fit in with what they're doing. I like the fans and the support they give their players, too. I've picked up a ton of Kentucky fans following me on Twitter. They've been great."

Badet had a chance to speak with UK assistant coach Chad Scott on Monday night, who reiterated some of the reasons why the Cats want him in Lexington.

"We had a real good conversation," Badet said. "He just told me how much they liked me and needed me in their program. He said I could come in and play early and be a real important piece of their offense as soon as I got there.

"Kentucky is a little different from other schools recruiting me in that they say I can come in and have a chance to run with the first team because they don't have many receivers on scholarship right now. They think I could be a freshman All-American in their system. Obviously, I like hearing that."

UCLA also offers some strong points for him to consider. His close friend and fellow UK target Asiantii Woulard is also taking a look at the Bruins. Woulard made an official visit to Los Angeles this past weekend.

"He was texting me telling me how beautiful it was and how I should come out and check things out for myself," Badet said. "But that's a long way from home, and I was noticing they don't have any Florida guys out there, so I'm not sure what I'll do."

He added that it looks unlikely that he and Woulard would play at the college level together now. "I don't think he's looking at Kentucky too much anymore. We've both got to do what's best for ourselves personally."

Badet (6-foot, 170) was one of the Sunshine State's most productive receivers as a senior. He caught 64 passes for 904 yards and 17 touchdowns.